HURT FOR ME

Chapter Fifty-One - Virgin Mary

"Is it bad that I'm worried about tonight?" I asked Layla as we walked to her car. I was far too tired to drive today so she insisted.

She made a humming sound for a moment, "It's not necessarily a bad thing," She offered. "My family can be intimidating. But, as long as you act like yourself, they'll love you!" I felt better already with her reassurance.

Layla made the decision that we should prioritize the nail salon before going dress shopping due to its earlier closing time. I didn't bother protesting the nail idea since I knew I wouldn't win that argument.

"What are you getting?" Layla asked as I sat in the chair next to her.

"White...?" I replied, completely unsure of my choice.

She laughed at my decision and redirected me to a better look, 'Hailey Biebers chrome nail.' I relayed Layla's message to the nail artist and they agreed with her.

It took about two hours for both of us to get our manicure due to the long line of customers but we were finally finished.

"I got it," Layla said as she pulled her card out of her cross body purse.

I hurriedly swiped my card on the reader, sticking my tongue out at her. "Too slow."

"What are we?" she exclaimed, rolling her eyes. "Twelve?" We shared a laugh as we exited the salon, walking down the strip, knowing that the store Layla wanted to visit next wasn't too far away.

"Welcome in, ladies." A kind, older woman greeted us at the entrance.

"Hi, we're in search of dresses," I mentioned, giving Layla complete control over the decision-making process since I had no specific requirements. My only objective was to find a dress.

Layla smiled at the woman, "Evening gowns, she means." I glanced at Layla, trying to suppress my smile.

Over the course of the next three hours, we immersed ourselves in trying on numerous dresses. Layla tried on more outfits than I did since I quickly made a decision. I settled on a knee-length black dress with sleeves, a choice that Layla clearly disliked.

Layla opted for a short, nude dress adorned with silver studs all over. Personally, I felt it was too revealing for a family dinner, but Layla remained unfazed by such concerns. Her carefree attitude was something I truly admired about her.

"Thank you so much!" Layla expressed her gratitude as she paid for both dresses, acknowledging that I had covered the cost of the nails. With our shopping complete, we headed back to the car from the dress shop.

During the drive back to the penthouse, I couldn't help but wonder what Aaron's family would be like. It remained a mystery to me, considering the contrasting personalities of Aaron and Layla. Aaron appeared broody and mysterious, while Layla exuded a vibrant and open demeanor.

I repeatedly reassured myself that the key was to simply be my authentic self and savor the evening, rather than fretting about meeting certain standards Aaron's family might have.

Upon reaching the penthouse, Aaron awaited us outside. I planted a brief kiss on his lips before passing him our bags, and then Layla and I followed him into the building.

"Aaron," Layla spoke as we rode the elevator. "Can I use your bathroom to get ready?"

Aaron playfully rolled his eyes, acknowledging that his sister usually had the upper hand. He gave in rather swiftly, recognizing that it was often easier to let her have her way. Witnessing this cute and affectionate interaction between them, I couldn't help but smile.

"I'll try not to take too long!" She exclaimed as she rushed down the hall.

"We only have an hour, Layla, I mean it!" Aaron shouted back.

Aaron graciously took charge of carrying not only my bag but also his dry cleaning as we made our way to my room. While he started changing into his attire, I focused on styling my hair and applying makeup in the mirror.

After a considerable period of time, I deviated from my usual routine of wearing only mascara and lip gloss. This time, I dared to don red lipstick and accentuated my eyes with black eyeshadow, creating a striking contrast that complemented the natural beauty of my eyes.

"Could you help me with this zipper?" I requested Aaron's help in closing up my dress.

He appeared behind me in the mirror, placing his hands on my hips. "This is what you're wearing Virgin Mary?" I quickly turned around, glaring at him for his not so funny joke.

"Seriously, Aaron?" He innocently threw his hands up as Layla entered the room.

"He's right," She agreed. "Which is why I bought you the other dress that I really liked."

I dismissed both of them with an eye roll, although deep down, I felt a wave of insecurity wash over me. I had hoped for an outfit that struck the right balance—not too revealing or exposing—but in that moment, I couldn't help but think that Aaron was somehow provoking it.

I wore the long, white dress that Layla had chosen for me, featuring a high slit along the leg that reached the top of my thigh. The neckline of the dress accentuated my bust, highlighting my figure flawlessly and revealing every detail.

"Layla is putting on her shoes," Aaron mentioned as he reentered the room. "And then we'll-" His words trailed off suddenly, causing me to glance in his direction. I caught him glancing down my dress. "Damn," he muttered under his breath.

He returned behind me once more, holding my hips as we held eye contact. "This one better?"

"You're lucky we only have a few minutes," He planted gentle kisses along my neckline. "Maybe I can make that work." His hand trailed down my side to my thigh before I smacked it away.

"We need to leave," I broke free from his hold and swiftly grabbed my bag, then slipped into my white Louis Vuitton heels.

His hand snaked around my wrist, preventing me from walking any further. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," I coolly stated. "Virgin Mary has a party to attend." I could hear the sound of Aaron signing as I left him alone in my room. I joined Layla in the kitchen where she stumbled around as she put on her shoes.

"Ready?" I asked.

"Indeed," she grabbed her purse from the counter and led us towards the elevator. Aaron joined us, positioning himself behind me, his finger tracing a path up my arm, causing goosebumps to form in its wake.

I swiftly withdrew my arm, making it clear that I wasn't joking about disliking his insensitive remark. I steeled myself, determined to have an amazing evening regardless of the apprehension I had carried with me about this dinner all day.